Coronavirus digest: US records first case of highly infectious variant

Last month, Amazon's 8,000 warehouse workers in Staten Island, New York voted to form the company's first ever union. It was the first in a series of union victories at companies that pay hourly wages. Experts say this could be the most significant moment in decades for the US labour movement, sparking hope that a wave of unionisation could help millions of Americans secure fairer working conditions. But US corporations are fighting back. Our New York correspondents report.

South Korea and the US are sending a signal to North Korea, which had fired eight short-range missiles a day prior.

Nasson Joaquin Garcia, the head of the evangelical church La Luz del Mundo, pleaded guilty to three charges stemming from the abuse of three underage victims.

The vote by lawmakers in the Democratic-majority House follows mass shootings in Uvalde, Texas, and Buffalo, New York. The measure is unlikely to pass in the Senate.

The US House committee presented new findings tying former President Donald Trump to the attack on the Capitol.

Almost 10 months ago, Afghanistan fell into the hands of the Taliban. The hardline Islamists' return to power led to a mass exodus of the Afghan population, with the US taking in some 78,000 refugees. California received the largest number, followed by Texas, where some 10,500 Afghans are already calling the Lone Star State home. Texans are proud to welcome them, as our correspondents report.

The 8.6% yearly increase is the biggest since 1981. President Biden's efforts to stem the tide are having little effect as the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues to hit global economies.

At rallies held across the US, protesters had one message for lawmakers: They have had enough. Protesters called for stricter gun laws following another spate of mass shootings.

In a bid to reassert US influence in Latin America and counter Chinese influence, Biden signed a new pact to take more laborers and offer greater humanitarian assistance to migrants.

The US Defense Secretary said Chinese military activity around the self-governing island threatened to change the status quo. Lloyd Austin said Washington would continue to stand by Taiwan at an event in Singapore.

Starting on Sunday, international passengers flying to the United States will no longer have to present a negative COVID-19 test before boarding the plane.

The Yellowstone National Park was closed down for the first time since 1988 due to torrential rains, flooding and melting snow. The park was just opening for the summer tourist season.